Cruze diesel, on sale since mid-May in 13 key markets as a 2014 model, carries a significant price premium over gasoline models. Except on the highway, its mileage rating isn’t much better than either the Cruze 2LT upmarket model on which it’s based. GM

The government’s combined city/highway mileage rating for the Cruze Diesel is 33 mpg. For the Eco, it's 31; for the 2LT, 30 mpg. In the city, Diesel rates 27 mpg; others, 26. GM

Diesel is the quickest Cruze and feels like it. The Diesel version is as comfortable, and as handsome inside, as any high-level Cruze. The Diesel's engine is not noisy. GM

The Cruze Diesel costs $2,560 more than most-similar gas models -- and $4,010 more than high-mpg Cruze Eco. Even so, the Diesel’s city and combined city/highway mpg isn’t much better. GM

Members of the press examine Chevrolet's 2014 Cruze with a 2.0 turbo diesel at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2013. Scott Olson, Getty Images

A 2.0 turbo diesel motor, which is available in the 2014 Cruze, is displayed Feb. 7, 2013, at the Chicago Auto Show. Scott Olson, Getty Images

The Chevy Cruze Diesel is an outstanding compact sedan with a diesel engine that’s both powerful and fuel-efficient. General Motors

The Cruze Diesel takes a few aerodynamic-enhancing parts from the Eco model. General Motors

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel engine is unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2013. Charles Rex Arbogast, AP

Test Drive found the Cruze Deisel quite satisfying to drive but pricey. GM